Computer sciences have spawned many awkward terms and acronyms which are often hindering novice users to understand how-tos and manuals. Emulation has some terms of its own, as does the Amiga, due to its unique hardware design. This page aims to explain the most common terms.

Computers

Term

Explanation

BIOS

Basic Input Output System. Initializes the PC hardware in order to prepare the machine so programs can be run.

Bus

A subsystem that transfers data between computer components inside a computer or between computers.

CPU

Central Processing Unit. Also referred to as the "processor", all calculations are done in this unit.

FPU

Floating Point Unit. In the early days, this was a separate unit used for floating point calculations. Nowadays integrated in the main CPU.

RAM

Random Access Memory. Main type of storage for a computer to work with. It is by nature volatile memory, i.e. it gets cleared when the computer is shut down. For WinUAE RAM emulation, see RAM & Kickstart.

ROM

Read Only Memory. Most commonly used to store Firmware, Kickstart, and BIOS programs. In contrary to RAM, it is not volatile.

ZIP

The world's most-used compression format, tools for handling these files can be found almost on any computer system.

Amiga Specific

Term

Explanation

AHI

Audio Hardware Interface, see Emulation Speed.

AGA

Advanced Graphics Architecture, see Custom Chips.

Autoconfig

Method for configuring Amiga expansion cards. Mostly equivalent to Plug&Play in the PC world Autoconfig.

Blitter

Graphics coprocessor, see Custom Chips.

Copper

Graphics coprocessor, see Custom Chips.

DMS

DiskMasher archive, stores the contents of entire disks. Supported by DiskMasher and ADFOpus.

ECS

Enhanced Chip Set, see Custom Chips.

HAM

Hold And Modify, see Custom Chips.

Kickstart

The most basic program used to start up an Amiga, mostly equivalent to the BIOS in the PC world. See RAM & Kickstart.

LHA

The most common compressed file format on the Amiga and Aminet.

LZX

File archiver and format for the Amiga, released in 1995.

OCS

Original Chip Set, see Custom Chips.

Paula

Amiga custom hardware, See Custom Chips.

Zorro

Zorro is the standard bus for expansions in Amigas. See Zorro Bus.

Emulation Specific

Term

Explanation

ADF

Amiga Disk File, used to store raw information from a single Amiga floppy disk.

ADZ

ADF files compressed with the GZIP algorithm. Many archive applications are able to unpack this format, and WinUAE handles it natively.

JIT

Just In Time [Compiling]. Gives a huge boost to emulation speed, see JIT - Just In Time.

Technology

Term

Explanation

PAL

Phase Alternating Line, television system used in large parts of the world. 576 lines, typically 50Hz.

NTSC

National Television Steering Committee, TV system used mainly in the USA and Japan. 480 lines, 60Hz.

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